PROVIDENCE – Dear Kate, the rebranded line of specialty lingerie that mixes fashion and function, is launching online this month with shipping to start in early December in anticipation of the holiday season.

“It’s exciting to be part of the Rhode Island entrepreneurial community right now,” said Julie Sygiel, co-founder and CEO, in a statement. “It’s a supportive movement that welcomes fresh faces and ideas.”

The underwear line, designed originally to provide backup during menstrual cycles, has caught on as well with athletes, new mothers and other women in the case of incontinence.

Consumer demand inspired the new line, which ranges from high-rise undies, bodysuits, bikinis and hipster-fit underwear. Each garment features a light lining that protects against stains and spills.

Sygiel said in a press release that the patent-pending, high-tech underwear is designed to be delicate to the touch, easy to wear, easy to wash, and attractive.

“Kate is the best friend in a crisis, the one who rushes to your side with chocolate,” Sygiel said. “The women who wear our panties appreciate not only the innovation behind it, but also the community we’ve become, and Dear Kate embraces that fully.”

Sygiel co-founded Sexy Period while a student at Brown University. She previously had announced re-branding under the name Underbrella but encountered a trademark problem with that name.

The collection will be available to browse starting Nov. 15 at dearkates.com and will be available to ship starting Dec. 5. Sygiel said the line also will be available in specialty boutiques throughout the country.

Sygiel added that the panties are being sewn using fabric made by Darlington Fabrics in Westerly.

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